JP7120047B2 - input device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device, such as a touch pad or a touch panel, that enables input operations using an operating body such as a finger.

As a conventional input device, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 is known. The input device described in Patent Literature 1 includes a general-purpose operation reception unit having a cross key and a plurality of keys for input operations, and a display that displays content for a plurality of operations on various vehicle devices. A plurality of contents, ie applications, are classified into a plurality of categories.

In the input device described in Patent Document 1, the priority of categories is changed according to vehicle conditions such as running, stopping, high-speed running, parking, and nighttime driving, and among a plurality of contents, the user's operation frequency is higher. High content is determined as the content that notifies the content of the operation. In other words, this input device is configured to reduce the operation load on the operator by setting the content that can be input by the general-purpose operation receiving unit based on the priority and the operation frequency.

Japanese Patent No. 6003773

However, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, as described above, frequently operated contents can be operated, but a plurality of contents are displayed on the display at the same time, and a lot of information is displayed on the screen. Therefore, in this input device, the information displayed on the display becomes excessive (obtrusive), which may hinder safe driving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device in which the display is not obtrusive and the operation load can be reduced.

In order to achieve the above object, the input device according to claim 1 interlocks with a predetermined device (22) mounted on a vehicle (10), and display units (22a, 23a, 24a), an operation unit (110) used for operating a plurality of operation icons (22b) for input operations displayed on the display unit, and an operation body (F) for the operation surface (111) of the operation unit. a position detection unit (120) that detects the operation position of the operation surface, a pressure detection unit (130) that detects the pressing state of the operation surface by the operation object, and controls the display of a plurality of operation icons, and controls the display of the operation object on the operation surface and a control unit (140) that performs input to a predetermined device in accordance with the operation state of the operating body detected by the position detection unit and the pressure detection unit, by associating with the operation icon on the display unit; Prepare. In such a configuration, the operation surface has a general area (111a) and a partitioned area (111b) partitioned into a plurality of partitions (1111 to 1114). , and the plurality of partitions in the partitioned region correspond to regions in which selected icons (22b1) selected from among the plurality of operation icons on the display are displayed, respectively. , each of the plurality of partitions is provided with a perception means (112) that gives a perception to the operating body when it touches the operating body. Until then, the display state of the multiple operation icons corresponding to the general area will be hidden in the display area, and the selection allocation of the selection icons corresponding to the multiple compartments will be changed according to the vehicle state. is displayed on the display unit, and the side closest to the portion corresponding to the operation position of the operating tool among the sides forming the outline of the display unit is set as the first side (22a2), and the operation is performed on the general area or the partitioned area. When a predetermined operation by the body is detected, the operation icon or selection icon corresponding to the operation position by the operation body is enlarged from the first side toward the side opposite to the first side and displayed on the display unit. Controls the enlarged display to be displayed.

As a result, when the operator performs a finger operation on the operation surface, various icons corresponding to the operation position are enlarged and displayed. The enlarged display makes it easier for the person to perceive the operation position. Therefore, the display is not obtrusive, and the input device can reduce the operation load.

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. indicate an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

It is an explanatory view showing a mounting state of the input device in the vehicle. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an input device; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on a display unit; It is a front view which shows an operation surface. It is a perspective view showing an operation surface. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display example in an icon display area; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example in the icon display area; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a third display example in the icon display area; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth display example in the icon display area; 4 is a table showing the relationship of operation allocation to each compartment with respect to vehicle conditions. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing how the state of a vehicle changes; 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure for allocating operations to each compartment according to the state of the vehicle; 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of input control for finger operation on the operation surface; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of selected icons displayed in the icon display area when the general area of the operation surface is operated; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of selected icons displayed in the icon display area when the first to third divided areas of the operation surface are operated; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of selected icons displayed in the icon display area when the fourth divided area of the operation surface is operated; 10 is a flow chart showing part of an input control procedure for a finger operation in the input device of the third embodiment; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display unit during non-operation in the input device of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display unit when a finger is placed on the operation surface of the right operation unit; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display unit when a finger is placed on the operation surface of the left operation unit; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display unit including an operation position display icon; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of interrupt display in the input device of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of interrupt display in the input device of the fourth embodiment;

A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each form, the same reference numerals may be given to the parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding form, and overlapping explanations may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each form, the previously described other forms can be applied to other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that are explicitly stated that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also partial combinations of embodiments even if they are not explicitly stated unless there is a particular problem with the combination. is also possible.

(First embodiment)
An input device 100 of the first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-13. The input device 100 of this embodiment is applied to a remote control device for operating various vehicle equipment. The input device 100 is mounted on a vehicle 10 together with various vehicle devices, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the constant power supply circuit 11 and the accessory power supply circuit 12 are connected to the control unit 140 of the input device 100, which will be described later. The constant power supply circuit 11 is a circuit that connects the battery 13 and the control unit 140 and supplies constant power of, for example, 5 V from the battery 13 to the control unit 140 . The accessory power supply circuit 12 connects the battery 13 and the control unit 140 via the accessory switch 14 and supplies accessory power to the control unit 140 when the accessory switch 14 is turned on.

Various vehicle devices correspond to predetermined devices of the present invention. etc. are included. Various vehicle equipment includes, for example, an audio device 25, a back camera device 26, a road traffic information system (VICS (registered trademark)) 27, a dedicated communication device 28, and the like.

The vehicle control device 21 and the various vehicle devices 22 to 28 are formed separately from the input device 100 and arranged at positions separated from the input device 100 . The vehicle control device 21, various vehicle devices 22 to 28, and the input device 100 are connected by, for example, a Controller Area Network bus 20 (CAN bus (registered trademark)). The CAN bus 20 is an in-vehicle network system for realizing exchange of information between in-vehicle devices using a predetermined protocol.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the HUD device 22 is configured to project a virtual image for display to the operator onto the front window 10a of the vehicle 10 to form a display section 22a. In this embodiment, the display unit 22a has an information display area 22a1 and an icon display area 22a2, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, and displays information related to the vehicle.

Various vehicle information is mainly displayed in the information display area 22a1, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The various vehicle information includes, for example, the name of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, vehicle speed, engine speed, operating state of cruise control control, messages, and the like.

In the icon display area 22a2, for example, various icons 22b and 22b1 mainly used for remote control are displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a plurality of operation icons 22b prepared for remote operation are displayed in the upper left area including the central portion of the icon display area 22a2. The plurality of operation icons 22b are preset and fixed icons. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower and right areas of the icon display area 22a2 are selected from a plurality of operation icons 22b according to the state of the vehicle 10, which will be described later. A selection icon 22b1 is displayed.

The navigation device 23 has a center display 23a arranged in the central portion of the instrument panel of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. A liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, can be used as the center display 23a. Further, the meter device 24 has an in-meter display 24a arranged in the display area, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. As an area where various operation icons 22b and selection icons 22b1 are displayed, instead of the display section 22a of the HUD device 22, a center display 23a or an in-meter display 24a may be used. In other words, the area where the various operation icons 22b and the selection icon 22b1 are displayed may be any display body that displays information about the vehicle in conjunction with the predetermined various vehicle devices 22-28.

The input device 100 is provided on the steering wheel 10b of the vehicle 10, for example, as shown in FIG.

The operation unit 110 forms a so-called touch pad, and is a portion where input operations to various vehicle devices 22 to 28 are performed by an operating body such as an operator's finger F, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation units 110 are horizontal spokes of the steering wheel 10b, and are provided at the left and right ends when the steering angle is zero, that is, in the horizontal state. In other words, the operation unit 110 is arranged at a position where an operation surface 111, which will be described later, can be finger-operated by extending a finger F, such as a thumb, by an operator gripping the steering wheel 10b.

Hereinafter, of the two operation units 110 arranged at the left and right ends of the steering wheel 10b, the operation unit 110 on the right end will be described as a representative example.

The surface of the operation unit 110 that is operated with a finger, that is, the surface facing the operator is an operation surface 111 as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The operation surface 111 is exposed to the operator side, and is a flat portion on which the operator operates with his or her fingers. The operation unit 110 is set to allow input for predetermined operations such as selection and pressing of the various operation icons 22b and the selection icon 22b1 displayed on the display unit 22a by the operator's finger operation on the operation surface 111. ing.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation surface 111 has a rectangular shape, and has a general area 111a and a partitioned area 111b within the rectangular area.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the general area 111a is the upper left area including the central portion of the operation surface 111, and corresponds to the area where the plurality of operation icons 22b are displayed on the display section 22a.

The partitioned areas 111b are areas on the lower side and the right side of the operation surface 111, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the partitioned region 111b has a first partitioned portion 1111, a second partitioned portion 1112, and a third partitioned portion 1113 in the lower area, and a fourth partitioned portion in the right area. 1114 is provided. Each of the partitions 1111 to 1114 corresponds to an area in which various selection icons 22b1 selected from among the operation icons 22b in the display section 22a are displayed.

4 and 5, the general area 111a, the partitioned area 111b, and the boundaries of the partitioned parts 1111 to 1114 on the operation surface 111 are indicated by two-dot chain lines for convenience, but this is only an appearance. It is not meant to imply that there are clear boundaries between each site.

In this embodiment, each of the compartments 1111 to 1114 is provided with sensing means for giving a sense to the finger F of the operator when the finger F comes into contact with it. The sensing means is, for example, a projection 112 projecting toward the operator, as shown in FIG. The protrusion 112 provided in each of the partitions 1111 to 1113 is, for example, dome-shaped and arranged in the center of each of the partitions 1111 to 1113 . Further, the projection 112 provided on the fourth partition 1114 is, for example, a rod-like shape with a semicircular cross section, and is arranged along the imaginary central line of the fourth partition 1114 in the longitudinal direction.

Instead of the protrusion 112, the sensing means may be formed as a concave portion recessed inside the operation surface 111, or may vibrate the finger F using a vibrating element or the like, or may be sounded by an acoustic means. is optional. Further, when the sensing means is the protrusion 112, the shape of the protrusion 112 may be changed as appropriate.

The touch sensor 120 is, for example, a capacitive detection unit provided on the back side of the operation surface 111 . The touch sensor 120 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and is configured to detect an operation position of the operator's finger F on the operation surface 111 . The touch sensor 120 corresponds to the position detection section of the invention.

The touch sensor 120 is connected to, for example, a control unit 140, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. It is configured to be arranged in Each electrode changes the generated capacitance according to the position of the operator's finger F in proximity to the operation surface 111 , and outputs a signal of the capacitance, that is, a position signal to the control unit 140 . The surface of the touch sensor 120 is covered with an insulating sheet made of an insulating material. It should be noted that the touch sensor 120 is not limited to the capacitive type, and various types such as other pressure-sensitive types may be used.

In the input device 100, changes in the coordinate position of the finger F on the operation surface 111 obtained by the touch sensor 120 are associated with the selection positions of the various operation icons 22b and the selection icon 22b1 on the display unit 22a.

The push sensor 130 is, for example, an element that converts a force applied to a piezoelectric body into a voltage, ie, an induced voltage, or converts a voltage into a force using a piezoelectric effect, and is also called a "piezo element." The push sensor 130 is provided on the back side of the operation surface 111 , and detects a pressing state caused by pushing the operation surface 111 with a finger when operating the operation surface 111 . Specifically, the push sensor 130 is configured to generate an induced voltage or current as a pressure signal corresponding to the force applied by the finger F to operate it. The push sensor 130 corresponds to the press detection section of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the push sensor 130 is connected to a control section 140, which will be described later, and outputs the generated induced voltage or current to the control section 140 as a pressure signal. It should be noted that an electromagnetic actuator such as a voice coil motor may be used as the press detection unit instead of the push sensor 130 .

The control unit 140 has a CPU, a RAM, a storage medium, and the like. The buffer 141 is a data area secured within the RAM. The control unit 140 determines the position of the finger F on the operation surface 111 and the position of the finger F on the operation surface 111 as the operation state of the operator's finger F from each signal such as the position signal obtained from the touch sensor 120 and the pressure signal obtained from the push sensor 130 . Gets whether or not there is a pressing operation. Then, the control unit 140 instructs the vehicle control device 21 to perform input operations to various vehicle devices 22 to 28 according to these operation states.

The control unit 140 changes the display state of the plurality of operation icons 22b on the display unit 22a between display and non-display according to the operation state of the operator's finger F, and displays various selection icons according to the state of the vehicle 10. 22b1 is changed and displayed on the display unit 22a. Note that the control unit 140 stores, for example, a table shown in FIG. Details of this table will be described later.

The communication IC 150 is connected to the CAN bus 20 via the interface 151 , acquires information necessary for the input device 100 from the CAN bus 20 , and transmits the information to the control unit 140 . The communication IC 150 also outputs signals such as position signals and pressure signals obtained from the touch sensor 120 and the push sensor 130 to the CAN bus 20 on the operation surface 111 .

The above is the basic configuration of the input device 100 of this embodiment.

Next, the operation and effects of the input device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13. FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that vehicle devices and operation icons other than the various vehicle devices 22 to 28 and various operation icons 22b described above are included.

First, display control of various operation icons 22b and various selection icons 22b1 on the display unit 22a performed by the control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG.

Note that the various operation icons 22b include, as examples shown in FIG. There are adjustment icons and the like. The various operation icons 22b also include an icon for returning to the main menu, an icon for tire pressure monitor, an icon for anti-slip device, an icon for vehicle height adjustment, and an icon for cruise control (hereinafter referred to as "ACC"). icons, etc. Further, the various selection icons 22b1 include, for example, an icon for LKA, an icon for clearance sonar, an icon for ACC, and a travel mode setting icon selected from the various operation icons 22b.

When there is no predetermined finger operation such as a touch operation on the general area 111a of the operation surface 111, the control unit 140 displays only four selection icons 22b1, for example, as shown in FIG. 22b are all hidden.

For example, when the operator's finger F is placed on the third section 1113 of the operation surface 111, the control unit 140, as shown in FIG. Controls highlighting such as display.

Note that, for example, when the operator's finger F is placed on the first partition 1111 or the second partition 1112 of the operation surface 111, the control unit 140 also emphasizes the selection icon 22b1 at the corresponding position in the same manner as described above. Control the display.

For example, when the operator's finger F is placed on the fourth section 1114 of the operation surface 111, the control unit 140, as shown in FIG. Controls highlighting such as enlarging the size of .

For example, when the operator's finger F is placed on the general area 111a of the operation surface 111, that is, when a predetermined operation such as a touch operation is performed, the control unit 140 responds as shown in FIG. Control is performed to display all of the positional operation icons 22b on the display unit 22a.

Next, the table shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

In the table of FIG. 10, for example, an icon for which an input operation is more necessary depending on the state of the vehicle 10 is set as a selection icon 22b1, and positions of the display unit 22a corresponding to the partitions 1111 to 1114 of the operation surface 111 are displayed. used to make decisions about what to assign and display. Here, the state of the vehicle 10 is, for example, the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 and the set state of ACC control.

Hereinafter, the table in FIG. 10 will be called an "allocation table". In the assignment table, for example, the states of the vehicle 10 are divided into 1 to 5, and the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the partitions 1111 to 1114 are assigned to the states 1 to 5, respectively.

State 1 corresponds to the case where the vehicle is running at low speed and the ACC is off, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In state 1, the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the first to fourth partitions 1111 to 1114 are assigned, for example, a door mirror adjustment icon, a clearance sonar icon, a 360-degree view monitor icon, and a driving mode setting icon in this order. be done.

State 2 corresponds to the case where the ACC is off in high-speed running, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In the state 2, the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the first section 1111 to the fourth section 1114 are, for example, an LKA icon, no assignment, an ACC Ready state, that is, an ACC preparation state icon, and a driving mode setting icon. assigned in order.

State 3 corresponds to high-speed running and ACC ready state, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In the state 3, the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the first section 1111 to the fourth section 1114 are an icon for restoring the ACC condition after braking, an icon for turning off the ACC, an icon for setting the ACC, and an icon for setting the running mode. are assigned in this order.

State 4 corresponds to a state in which the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the ACC is on, and the preceding vehicle is not being tracked, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In state 4, the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the first partition 1111 to the fourth partition 1114 are assigned, for example, an LKA icon, an ACC off icon, no assignment, and a speed adjustment icon in this order.

State 5 corresponds to a state in which the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the ACC is on, and the preceding vehicle is being tracked, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In state 5, the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the first to fourth partitions 1111 to 1114 are assigned, for example, an LKA icon, an ACC off icon, an inter-vehicle distance setting icon, and a speed adjustment icon in this order. be done.

Here, the transition of the vehicle 10 between state 1 to state 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

State 1 indicates a state of low speed running, and when the running speed of the vehicle 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined speed, as shown in FIG. 11, state 2 is entered. In state 2, if the ACC ready state is set, then state 3 is entered. In state 3, when ACC is turned off, state 2 is returned to.

If the ACC is turned on in state 3 and the preceding vehicle is not tracked, the state shifts to state 4. If the brake is operated in state 4, the state returns to state 3. If the ACC is turned on in state 3 and the vehicle ahead is being tracked, the state shifts to state 5. If the brake is operated in state 5, the state returns to state 3. Further, if the state 4 is changed to the state with tracking of the preceding vehicle, the state shifts to state 5, but if the state 5 is changed to the state without tracking the preceding vehicle, the state returns to the state 4.例文帳に追加Additionally, in states 4 and 5, turning off ACC returns to state 2.

For example, changes in the state of the vehicle 10 as described above are reflected in the assignment table, and the selection icon 22b1 assigned according to the state of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display section 22a.

Next, details of control performed by the control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG.

First, in step S100 of FIG. 12, the control unit 140 determines whether the vehicle 10 is traveling at high speed. As the vehicle speed, for example, speed data in the meter device 24 can be used. When the control unit 140 determines that the vehicle speed is not equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, that is, when the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the control unit 140 assigns the various selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the state 1 in the assignment table of FIG. 10, that is, sets the state 1, and displays it on the display unit 22a.

Hereinafter, for the sake of simplification of explanation, the assignment of the various selection icons 22b1 corresponding to any one of the states 1 to 5 in the assignment table will be simply referred to as "state X set".

In the case of an affirmative determination in step S100, control unit 140 advances the process to step S120 and determines whether or not ACC is in a ready state. In the case of a negative determination in step S120, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S130, sets state 2 in the allocation table of FIG. 10, and displays it on the display unit 22a.

In the case of an affirmative determination in step S120, control unit 140 advances the process to step S140 and determines whether or not ACC is being executed. In the case of a negative determination in step S140, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S150, sets state 3 in the allocation table of FIG. 10, and displays it on the display unit 22a.

If the determination in step S140 is affirmative, control unit 140 proceeds to step S160 and determines whether or not the vehicle ahead is being tracked in ACC. In the case of a negative determination in step S160, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S170, sets state 4 in the allocation table of FIG. 10, and displays it on the display unit 22a.

In the case of an affirmative determination in step S160, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S180, sets state 5 in the allocation table of FIG. 10, and displays it on the display unit 22a.

Next, the control flow of FIG. 13 executed by the control unit 140 together with the control flow of FIG. 12 will be described.

First, in step S200, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the finger F is in contact with the operation surface 111, as shown in FIG. In the case of an affirmative determination in step S200, control unit 140 advances the process to step S210, acquires the position coordinates of finger F, and then advances the process to step S220. On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in step S200, control unit 140 repeats the process of step S200.

In step S220, control unit 140 determines whether or not the acquired position coordinates of finger F correspond to any one of first to fourth partitions 1111-1114. In the case of an affirmative determination in step S220, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S230, and the selection icon 22b1 on the display unit 22a corresponding to each of the compartments 1111 to 1114 where the finger F is positioned is explained with reference to FIGS. Highlight as you did.

On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in step S220, that is, in the case where the coordinates of the contact position of the finger F are within the general area 111a and there is a touch operation within the general area 111a, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S240. In step S240, the control unit 140 causes the display unit 22a to display icons corresponding to the general area 111a, that is, the plurality of operation icons 22b, as described with reference to FIG. In other words, the control unit 140 maintains the non-display state of the plurality of operation icons 22b corresponding to the general area 111a until there is a touch operation within the general area 111a.

After step S230 or S240, control unit 140 proceeds to step S250 to determine whether or not a pressing operation on operation surface 111 has been detected. In the case of an affirmative determination in step S250, control unit 140 advances the process to step S260, and executes the function of selection icon 22b1 corresponding to any one of pushed compartments 1111-1114. On the other hand, if the determination in step S250 is negative, control unit 140 returns the process to step S200.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 140 displays a plurality of operation icons corresponding to the general area 111a until a predetermined operation such as a touch operation with the finger F is performed on the general area 111a of the operation surface 111. Control is performed so that the display state of the display unit 22a of 22b is not displayed. Therefore, the operator is not overwhelmed with information. The operator can display a plurality of operation icons 22b on the display unit 22a by performing a predetermined operation such as a touch operation on the general area 111a as necessary.

Further, the control unit 140 changes the selection allocation of the selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the plurality of division units 1111 to 1114 according to the state of the vehicle 10, and controls the display unit 22a to display them. Therefore, the operator can select and operate an icon suitable for the state of the vehicle 10 from among the plurality of operation icons 22b, thereby improving operability. In addition, each of the partitions 1111 to 1114 is provided with a projection 112 as a sensing means, so that the operator can feel the finger F without directly looking at each of the partitions 1111 to 1114. , and the operability can be similarly improved. Overall, it is possible to suppress the obtrusiveness due to excessive information and to reduce the operation load.

Further, the state of the vehicle 10 specifically includes the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 and the set state of ACC control. As a result, it becomes possible to allocate the selection icon 22b1 according to the travel speed and the setting state of the ACC control, thereby improving usability.

Further, each selection icon 22b1 is set as an operation icon 22b for which the necessity of input operation is higher according to the state of the vehicle 10. FIG. As a result, the selection icon 22b1 for which the input operation is more necessary is displayed on the display section 22a so as to correspond to the section sections 1111 to 1114 of the operation surface 111 according to the state of the vehicle . Therefore, the operator does not have to search for the desired operation icon 22b among the plurality of operation icons 22b, and the user-friendliness of the input device is improved.

Further, when the finger F is operated on any one of the partitions 1111 to 1114, the control unit 140 highlights the display of the selection icon 22b1 on the corresponding display unit 22a. This makes it possible to increase the degree of recognition of the selection icon 22b1 that is currently being operated.

A general area 111a on the operation surface 111 corresponds to an area where a plurality of fixed operation icons 22b are displayed on the display unit 22a regardless of the state of the vehicle 10. FIG. Accordingly, regardless of the state of the vehicle 10, operations corresponding to the plurality of basic operation icons 22b are possible in the general area 111a.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when assigning the various selection icons 22b1 corresponding to the partitions 1111 to 1114 on the operation surface 111, the state of the vehicle 10, specifically, the traveling speed of the vehicle 10, and the ACC control setting I explained that it depends on the situation.

However, the state of the vehicle 10 is not limited to this. In addition, the situation outside the vehicle, the guidance route information when guiding the vehicle 10 to the destination, the characteristics of the operator who operates the finger F, the frequency of operation, etc. , and the operational status of various vehicle equipment 22-28.

The situation outside the vehicle is, for example, the traveling situation of surrounding vehicles, the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling, and the like. Further, the types of roads on which the vehicle is traveling include general roads, highways, community roads, and the like.

Guidance route information is, for example, information such as ``the highway continues for a while ahead'', ``the curve continues ahead'', or ``there is a visual angle area at the nearest intersection''.

The characteristics of the operator are characteristics such as a person who is accustomed to handling the input device 100 or a person who is not accustomed to handling it.

The operation frequency is, for example, frequency data or the like indicating which of the operation icon 22b and the selection icon 22b1 was used more frequently during a predetermined period.

The operation status of various vehicle devices 22 to 28 is data indicating which vehicle device is currently in operation when the operator touches the operation surface 111 .

By adding these conditions, it is possible to further increase the variation of the selection allocation of the selection icon 22b1, thereby improving usability.

(Third embodiment)
In the input device of the third embodiment, when the operator operates the operation unit 110 with a finger, the control unit 140 causes the icon display area 22a2 to display predetermined various icons 22b and 22b1 corresponding to the operation position in a predetermined enlarged manner. It is different from the first embodiment in that control is performed. In this embodiment, this difference will be mainly described.

First, display control in this embodiment by the control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG.

In FIGS. 14 to 16, the direction of change over time is indicated by white arrows for the sake of convenience in order to facilitate understanding of the slide-in display of various predetermined icons 22b and 22b1, which will be described later.

14 to 16, of the sides forming the outline of the icon display area 22a2, the side closest to the portion corresponding to the operation position of the operator on the operation surface 111 is For the sake of convenience, this is referred to as "first side 22a3". In addition, in FIGS. 14 to 16, the first side 22a3 is indicated by a thick line in order to distinguish between the first side 22a3 and other sides forming the outline of the icon display area 22a2 for easy viewing.

In this embodiment, when the operator operates the operation surface 111 with a finger, the control unit 140 performs various operations corresponding to one of the general area 111a, the first to third partitions 1111 to 1113, and the fourth partition 1114. Control is performed to display the icons 22b and 22b1 in a predetermined enlarged manner.

When the operator operates the general area 111a with a finger, the control unit 140 moves a plurality of operation icons 22b corresponding to the general area 111a from the first side 22a3 to the opposite side, as shown in FIG. Performs control to enlarge and display toward. That is, when the operator operates the general area 111a, that is, the upper left portion of the operation surface 111, the operation icon 22b corresponding to the general area 111a is the first side, which is the upper side of the outline of the icon display area 22a2. It is displayed so as to slide in from the 22a3 side.

When the operator operates the first to third compartments 1111 to 1113 with a finger, the control unit 140, for example, as shown in FIG. Enlarged display is performed from the side of the first side 22a3 toward the side on the opposite side. In this case, these selection icons 21b are displayed so as to slide in from the side of the first side 22a3, which is the lower side of the outline of the icon display area 22a2, toward the upper side.

When the operator operates the fourth section 1114 with a finger, the control section 140 moves the selection icon 22b1 corresponding to the fourth section 1114 from the first side 22a3 to the opposite side, as shown in FIG. Performs control to enlarge the display toward the side. In this case, these selection icons 21b are displayed so as to slide in from the first side 22a3, which is the right side of the outline of the icon display area 22a2, toward the left side.

As a result, the operator can visually recognize the starting point of enlarged display of the various icons 22b and 22b1, that is, the first side 22a3, and can easily grasp the operation position of the operation surface 111 without visually recognizing the operation surface 111. can be done.

In the above description, slide-in is shown as an example of enlarged display, but the enlarged display is not limited to this. It may be a zoom-in that is displayed while Even if the enlarged display is zoomed in, the operator can grasp the position of the first side 22a3 and can easily perceive which region the operation position of the operation surface 111 belongs to.

14, the various icons 22b and 22b1 that are enlarged and displayed include a side opposite to the first side 22a3 (hereinafter referred to as a "second side 22b2"), a side intersecting the second side 22b2, and It is preferable that the design has an edge portion 22b3 corresponding to the intersection of the sides. This allows the operator to grasp not only the starting point of enlarged display in the icon display area 22a2, but also the second side 22b2 and the edge portion 22b3 corresponding to this starting point side, so that the operating position of the operation surface 111 can be more clearly identified. This is because it can be perceived and the operation load can be reduced.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, in the enlarged display, in addition to the various icons 22b and 22b1, a frame portion 22b4 may be displayed between the first side 22a3 and the adjacent icons 22b and 22b1. This allows the operator to more visually recognize which portion of the operation surface 111 is being operated. For example, the frame portion 22b4 may be adjacent to the first side 22a3 and the side intersecting the first side 22a3 among the sides forming the outline of the icon display area 22a2, and may be designed to have an edge. and the side that intersects it.

Note that when an operator's operation on the operation surface 111 is detected, only the various icons 22b and 22b1 corresponding to the operation position are displayed in the icon display area 22a2, thereby reducing the operator's recognition load. , there is a concern that the operation position is difficult to recognize.

However, as described above, the various icons 22b and 22b1 are enlarged and displayed by animation such as slide-in and zoom-in, and the starting direction corresponds to the operation position on the operation surface 111. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to allow the operator to easily recognize the operation position on the operation surface 111 while reducing the recognition load by displaying the minimum necessary icons 22b and 22b1 in the icon display area 22a2.

Next, the input control by the control unit 140 in this embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 17 . Note that the description of the points common to the above-described first embodiment in the input control will be omitted.

FIG. 17 shows part of the input control by the control unit 140 of the input device of the present embodiment, and shows processing corresponding to steps S210 to S250 in the flowchart of FIG.

If the determination in step S220 is affirmative, control unit 140 advances the process to step S310, as shown in FIG. Control to display.

On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in step S220, the control unit 140 advances the process to step S320, and performs control to enlarge and display the operation icon 22b corresponding to the general area 111a by sliding it into the icon display area 22a2.

After step S310 or step S320, control unit 140 advances the process to step S250.

Although FIG. 17 shows an example in which the enlarged display is slide-in, the present invention is not limited to this. It is zoomed in and displayed in the display area 22a2.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 140 controls to display the various icons 22b and 22b1 in a predetermined enlarged manner from the first side 22a3 side corresponding to the operation position on the operation surface 111 in the icon display area 22a2. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the starting point of enlarged display of the various icons 22b and 22b1, that is, the first side 22a3, and can easily grasp the operation position of the operation surface 111 without visually recognizing the operation surface 111. can be done. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the operator can more easily perceive the operation position of the operation surface 111, and the operation load can be reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the above-described third embodiment, an example has been described in which all the various icons 22b and 22b1 displayed in the icon display area 22a2 can be input by operating the operation surface 111 of one operation unit 110. FIG.

On the other hand, the input device of the fourth embodiment is configured to perform input operations of various icons 22b and 22b1 in the icon display area 22a2 by two operation units 110 arranged at the left and right ends of the steering wheel 10b. Further, in this input device, the control unit 140 controls enlarged display corresponding to these two operation units 110 . This input device differs from the third embodiment in these respects. In this embodiment, this difference will be mainly described.

Hereinafter, of the two operation units 110 arranged on the steering wheel 10b, the operation unit 110 on the left end of the horizontal spoke portion will be referred to as the "left operation unit 110", and the operation unit on the right end as the "right operation unit 110". Section 110". Also, the two operation units 110 made up of these are referred to as "a pair of operation units 110".

As shown in FIG. 1, the pair of operation units 110 includes a left operation unit 110 and a right operation unit 110 in this embodiment. It is configured to operate. Different functions are assigned to the left and right operation sections 110, for example, one of which is used for setting operation of the vehicle 10 and the other is used for entertainment operation such as music.

When an operation on the operation surface 111 of the pair of operation units 110 is detected, the control unit 140 displays various icons 22b and 22b1 from the side of the first side 22a3 corresponding to the operation position as in the third embodiment. Enlarged display in the display area 22a2 is controlled.

Here, control of enlarged display by the control unit 140 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. FIG.

In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the display unit 22a has a left display area in its left area until an operation on the operation surfaces 111 of the pair of operation units 110 is detected, that is, during non-operation. An icon 22cL corresponding to the operation unit 110 is displayed. Further, the display unit 22a displays an icon 22cR corresponding to the right operation unit 110 in the area on the right side while the display unit 22a is not operated.

In FIG. 18, the icon 22cL is designed to have an arched end on the right side of the paper surface, and the icon 22cR is designed to have an arched end portion on the left side of the paper surface. Also, the icon 22cL is an icon corresponding to the entertainment-related operation, and the icon 22cR is an icon corresponding to the setting-related operation of the vehicle 10, but the icons are not limited to this example. Furthermore, like the icon 22cR shown in FIG. 18, icons corresponding to vehicle setting operations may display not only the main functions and setting values, but also the functions currently in operation and other setting values. The display contents are arbitrary.

When the operator's finger F is placed on the operation surface 111 of the right operation unit 110, the control unit 140 displays the operation icon 22b corresponding to the operation surface 111 of the right operation unit 110, as shown in FIG. Control is performed to enlarge the display on the part 22a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the right side of the sides forming the outline of the display section 22a is the first side 22a3, and the plurality of operation icons 22b associated with the icon 22cR are arranged oppositely from the first side 22a3. Slide in towards the side edges. At this time, as the icon 22cR slides in, the icon 22cL corresponding to the entertainment-related operation is displayed in animation such that it is pushed out from the area on the left side of the display section 22a, and as shown in FIG. 22a disappears from the screen.

On the other hand, when the operator's finger F is placed on the operation surface 111 of the left operation unit 110, the control unit 140 displays the operation icon 22b corresponding to the operation surface 111 of the left operation unit 110, as shown in FIG. is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 22a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the left side of the display section 22a becomes the first side 22a3, and the plurality of operation icons 22b associated with the icon 22cL slide in from the left side toward the right side. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the icon 22cR corresponding to the vehicle setting operation is pushed further to the right side of the display section 22a by the icon 22cL.

That is, in the present embodiment, when an operation on the left operation unit 110 is detected, the control unit 140 moves the corresponding icons 22b and 22b1 from left to right, and an operation on the right operation unit 110 is detected. In this case, control is performed to cause the display unit 22a to display the opposite animation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, when a finger is placed on one of the operation surfaces 111 of the pair of operation units 110, an operation position display icon 22d is displayed together with various corresponding icons 22b on a screen displayed by, for example, slide-in. may be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the operation position display icon 22d has a design in which a finger is placed on an area corresponding to the general area 111a and the partitioned area 111b of the operation surface 111 and an area where an operation by the operator is detected. be. This allows the operator to more visually recognize the operating position on the operating surface 111 . Although FIG. 21 does not show a cross section, a part of the operation position display icon 22d is hatched for easy understanding.

Next, control of interrupt display by the control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG.

The control unit 140 not only controls the display unit 22a to perform a predetermined enlarged display based on the operation of the operation surface 111 by the operator, but also controls to perform a predetermined interrupt display regardless of the operation of the operation surface 111 by the operator. You can also go

Specifically, when there is an incoming call, for example, as shown in FIG. Control is performed to display the selection icon 22b1. In this case as well, the predetermined screen and the selection icon 22b1 are slide-in displayed from the left area of the display unit 22a in the same manner as when the operator puts his/her finger on the operation surface 111 of the left operation unit 110. be. In this case, the operator can easily understand that the left operation unit 110 should be operated.

As the interrupt display, as shown in FIG. 23, another interrupt screen 22e may be displayed from the center of the display section 22a. In this case, for example, the control unit 140 controls the display unit 22a to display the interrupt screen 22e in a zoomed-in manner, and also controls the animation display to push the left icon 22cL to the left and the right icon 22cR to the right. . In this case, the operator can understand that the interrupt is unrelated to his/her own operation, and can perceive, for example, that he or she should operate the general area 111a of either the left or right operation unit 110 .

Examples of items displayed on the interrupt screen 22e include, but are not limited to, recommendation messages by artificial intelligence when a predetermined device is equipped with artificial intelligence.

According to the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the number of icons and the like displayed on the display unit 22a is kept to a necessary minimum. become a device. In addition, even if there is an interruption other than the operation of the operation surface 111 by the operator, an effect of keeping the operator's recognition load reduced can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
It should be noted that the input device shown in each of the above-described embodiments is an example of the input device of the present invention, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and is within the scope described in the claims. can be changed as appropriate.

(1) The controller 140 and techniques described in this disclosure are provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. It may be implemented by a computer. Alternatively, the controller 140 and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring the processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the controller 140 and techniques described in this disclosure are a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by The computer program may also be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

(2) In each of the embodiments described above, an example in which a so-called touch pad type is adopted as the operation unit 110 has been described, but the operation unit 110 is not limited to this. For the operation unit 110, for example, a so-called touch panel type one, in which a display screen such as the center display 23a of the navigation device 23 is transmitted and visually recognized on the operation surface 111, may be applied.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the operation unit 110 is arranged on the steering wheel 10b of the vehicle 10 has been described, but the operation unit 110 is not limited to this, and the operation unit 110 may be placed on a location other than the steering wheel 10b such as the center console of the vehicle 10. may be placed.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the input device 100 has two operation units 110 has been described. good.

(3) Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the operation body is explained as the operator's finger F, but the operation body is not limited to this, and a stick imitating a pen may be used.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the input device 100 may be configured to have an actuator, and when the push sensor 130 detects a press by the operator, the actuator may vibrate the operator's finger F. good. As a result, it is possible to provide the operator's finger F with a tactile sensation obtained when clicking a mouse of a computer, that is, a click sensation. Obtainable.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, an example of the layout (definition) of the general area 111a and the partitions 1111 to 1114 on the operation surface 111 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate. . For example, when the operation unit 110 is arranged at the left end of the horizontal spokes of the steering wheel 10b, the fourth partition 1114 may be defined at the left end of the operation surface 111. The portions defined as partitions 1111 to 1113 may be changed. Also, the number of partitions constituting the partitioned region 111b does not have to be four, and the number may be changed as appropriate. In this way, the arrangement relationship between the general area 111a and the partitioned area 111b, the number of partitions, and the like, which constitute the operation surface 111, can be changed as appropriate.

In this case, the arrangement of the various icons 22b and 22b1 displayed in the icon display area 22a2, the arrangement of the perceptual means on the operation surface 111, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the arrangement of the partitions on the operation surface 111.

10 vehicle 22 head-up display device (predetermined device)
22a display unit 22b operation icon 22b1 selection icon 100 input device 111 operation surface 111a general area 111b division areas 1111 to 1114 first division, second division, third division, fourth division 112 projection (perception means)
F operator's finger (operator)
120 touch sensor (position detector)
130 push sensor (press detection unit)
140 control unit

Claims (10)

Display units (22a, 23a, 24a) that display information related to the vehicle in conjunction with predetermined equipment (22) mounted on the vehicle (10);
an operation unit (110) used for operating a plurality of operation icons (22b) for input operations displayed on the display unit;
a position detection unit (120) for detecting the operation position of the operation body (F) with respect to the operation surface (111) of the operation unit;
a press detection unit (130) for detecting a press state of the operation surface by the operation object;
Display control of a plurality of operation icons is performed, and the operation object on the operation surface and the operation icon on the display unit are associated with each other, and detected by the position detection unit and the pressure detection unit. , a control unit (140) that performs input to the predetermined device according to the operation state of the operation body,
The operation surface has a general area (111a) and a partitioned area (111b) partitioned into a plurality of partitions (1111 to 1114),
The general area corresponds to an area in which the plurality of operation icons are displayed in the display section, and the plurality of partitioned sections in the partitioned area are selected from among the plurality of operation icons in the display section. Each icon (22b1) corresponds to a displayed area,
Perception means (112) that gives a perception to the operating object when the operating object touches is provided in each of the plurality of partitions,
The control unit
Until a predetermined operation is performed on the general area by the operating body, the display state of the plurality of operation icons corresponding to the general area on the display unit is hidden, and according to the state of the vehicle. , changing the selection allocation of each of the selection icons corresponding to the plurality of partitions and displaying them on the display unit;
With the first side (22a2) being the side closest to the operating position of the operating body among the sides forming the outline of the display unit, a predetermined operation by the operating body is performed on the general area or the partitioned area. is detected, the operation icon or the selection icon corresponding to the operation position by the operation body is enlarged from the first side toward the side opposite to the first side, and displayed on the display unit An input device that controls the enlarged display displayed on the . The input device according to claim 1, wherein said enlarged display is slide-in. The input device according to claim 1, wherein said enlarged display is zoom-in. The operation icon or the selection icon displayed in the enlarged display includes a second side (22b2) opposite to the first side, a side intersecting the second side, and the second side and the intersecting side. 4. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, designed with an edge portion (22b3) by The operation unit is paired by two,
5. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said operation surfaces of said pair of said operation units are used to perform input operation of a plurality of said operation icons on said display unit. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the state of the vehicle includes a traveling speed of the vehicle and a set state of cruise control control. In addition to the state of the vehicle, the control unit sets the conditions for changing the selection allocation of each of the selection icons as conditions outside the vehicle, guidance route information for guiding the vehicle to a destination, and 7. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one of characteristics of an operator who operates the operating body, frequency of said operation, and operation status of said predetermined device. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the selection icons is set as the operation icon for which the necessity of input operation is higher according to the state of the vehicle. 9. The control unit controls to highlight the display of the selection icon on the corresponding display unit when the operating tool is operated on any one of the plurality of division units. The input device according to any one of . 10. The input according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the general area corresponds to an area in which a plurality of fixed operation icons are displayed on the display unit regardless of the state of the vehicle. Device.

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